Four Western States to Cooperate on Greenhouse Gas Emissions

December 6, 2006

The Public Utilities Commissions of four western states adopted a
Joint Action Framework on Climate Change on December 1st. California, New
Mexico, Oregon, and Washington will cooperate to develop and use low-carbon technologies and renewable energy resources, while promoting
energy efficiency, conservation, and demand response programs. As part
of the agreement, the commissions will consider policies to encourage
the development of transmission lines to provide access to sites with
significant renewable energy resources. The signing ceremony launched
the Joint West Coast Public Utilities Commissions Workshop on Energy
Efficiency, which brought together energy experts and international
leaders to explore key technologies and best practices in energy
efficiency. See the press release
(PDF 67 KB)
and the framework document
(PDF 185 KB)
on the California Public Utility Commission Web site.
Download Adobe Reader.

In New Mexico, the Climate Change Advisory Group also released on December 1st their
recommendations for reducing the state's greenhouse gas
emissions. The group says New Mexico could reduce its greenhouse gas
emissions to near 1990 levels by 2020 and create a projected
$2.2 billion net economic savings if the state adopts 69 new climate
change policies. Some of the top recommendations of the advisory group
are to increase the state's renewable energy requirement, create
incentives for energy efficiency in buildings, require cleaner cars,
and reduce emissions from oil and gas production. Governor Bill
Richardson created the advisory group last year. See the governor's
press release
and for the full report, see the
New Mexico Climate Change Advisory Group Web site.